That afternoon, a company-wide email was sent out, the subject line catching everyone's attention. It was an official announcement regarding a special unit established by the executive board. This team, led by Hayato, would focus on the upcoming project—a high-stakes initiative that had everyone talking.
"Chiaki! We've both been selected for the GM's project team!" Hana exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the email on her computer screen. Chiaki blinked in surprise, her heart skipping a beat as she read the announcement. She had expected to be assigned to the team, but Hana too?
The news left her feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension, her mind racing with thoughts of what the next few months would bring. But as she glanced at Hana's beaming face, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. Something told her that this project would change everything—not just for the company, but for her and Hayato as well.
Over the next week, Chiaki and Hana moved their workstations to the upper management floors, where a temporary office had been set up specifically for the project. The space was sleek and modern, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, and the atmosphere buzzed with a sense of anticipation and excitement.
When they arrived, Sohei greeted them with a grin, his usual cheerful demeanor putting them at ease. "Chiaki! I saved a good spot for you and your partner," he said, gesturing toward a pair of desks near the window.
The moment Hana saw Sohei, she froze, her eyes widening in recognition. Chiaki noticed her friend's sudden stiffness and followed her gaze, her lips curling into a knowing smile as the pieces fell into place. Hana had told her about a certain man she had spilled coffee on a few weeks ago—someone she had been thinking about ever since. And now, here he was, standing right in front of them.
"Hana, meet Sohei from the R&D department," Chiaki said, her tone light but carrying a hint of amusement. "Sohei, this is my partner, Hana." Hana, still flustered, awkwardly shook Sohei's hand, her cheeks tinged with pink. "N-Nice to meet you!" she stammered, her voice higher than usual. Sohei chuckled, not missing her nervousness. "Likewise," he said, his tone warm and friendly.
Chiaki watched in amusement, her mind already spinning with ideas. Maybe she should play matchmaker. But before she could entertain the thought further, a sharp voice cut through the room, shattering the lighthearted moment.
"So, you're the one who got special treatment." Chiaki turned to see Elena standing nearby, her arms crossed and a cool smile playing on her lips. There was an unmistakable edge to her tone, and Chiaki frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Excuse me?" she asked, her voice steady but carrying a hint of defensiveness. Elena took a step forward, her gaze sharp and calculating. "You, getting chosen for the GM's team, moving up here… You must feel really lucky," she said, her words dripping with thinly veiled sarcasm. Chiaki narrowed her eyes, her patience wearing thin.
"What are you talking about?" she asked, her tone firm but calm. Elena's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It must just be a coincidence that you and Hayato happen to know each other personally," she said.
Chiaki froze, her heart skipping a beat as she searched for something to say. Before she could speak, Hayato's voice cut through the silence—calm, but with a quiet firmness.
"Elena, is there a problem?" Elena turned, immediately softening her expression as she faced him. "Oh, Hayato. No problem at all. I was just welcoming Chiaki to the team," she said, her tone light but her eyes still sharp.
Hayato's gaze flickered between them before settling on Elena. "Good. Let's focus on work," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Elena's eyes darkened, but she forced a polite nod before walking away, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Chiaki exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the last time Elena would confront her.
Later that day, the team gathered for their first project briefing, the room filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Hayato stood at the front, his presence commanding attention as he began to speak. "Our company has been very successful in cosmetics and skincare products," he said, his gaze sweeping over the room. "Now, we are considering expanding our product line to include perfumes. I've been researching this in the U.S. for some time. To differentiate our perfumes from competitors, I plan to create natural scents using floral combinations." He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing, "To help everyone better understand floral fragrances, we've arranged a two-day, one-night flower field trip this weekend."
The room buzzed with excitement at the news of a company trip, lifting everyone's mood. Hana leaned toward Chiaki, eyes wide. "A work trip with the GM? The rumors are going to go wild."
Chiaki sighed, her stomach tightening with mixed feelings. "I know," she said quietly, a trace of unease in her voice.
Across the room, Elena's eyes were fixed on Chiaki. Her face was unreadable, but there was a sharp focus in her gaze. This trip was her opportunity—and she had no intention of letting Chiaki get any closer to Hayato.